As a Dragon Keeper, you know greens are very important for your bearded dragon! But in the world of vegetables, there are so many greens. What greens can bearded dragons eat? How do you know which greens are good for them, and which aren’t? And what can you do if your bearded dragon won't eat greens? Show
To make things simpler for you, we’re providing two lists here: a list of some of the best greens bearded dragons can eat on a daily basis, and a list of greens they can eat a little less frequently. We’ve highlighted some perks and pitfalls for each green, and included each calcium to phosphorus ratio for your reference. Best Greens for Bearded DragonsThe following factors play an important role in determining what greens bearded dragons can eat and how often:
If a leafy green vegetable is nutrient dense, high in calcium, and low in phosphorus, oxalates, and goitrogens, it’s a winner. Best Greens Bearded Dragons Can Eat: Daily StaplesThe following is a list of greens that bearded dragons can eat on a daily basis. These greens offer a variety of textures and flavors, allowing you to make each salad an exciting treat for your dragon. Daily Staple Greens for Bearded Dragons:
Best Greens Bearded Dragons Can Eat: Occasional StaplesThe following is a list of greens that don’t quite make the daily list due to phosphorus, oxalates, or goitrogens, but they offer many benefits and can be eaten weekly or every other week, depending on what else is on your dragon's feeding schedule. Occasional Staples:
What to Do If Your Bearded Dragon Won't Eat GreensThere are some bearded dragons who will eat anything you put in front of them. If that sounds like your pet, awesome! If it doesn’t, you are not alone. “My bearded dragon won’t eat his greens!” is one of the most common complaints bearded dragon owners have. Now, if your bearded dragon is refusing to eat at all, that is also common but could be the sign of stress or a more serious health problem. But if your dragon has a healthy appetite and just doesn’t want greens, it’s unlikely there is a serious problem; many dragons are just picky or don't realize that greens are actually food. So what can you do if your dragon won’t eat greens? Evaluate your dragon’s diet. Maybe your dragon is eating too many insects, in which case she is simply not hungry for greens. It’s worth a look at what your dragon eats on a daily basis to determine if you need to offer less protein. Hide the greens. A popular solution is to mix in favorite fruits or insects with the greens so your dragon accidentally eats the leaves along with the stuff he likes. Berries can be especially helpful with this. Trial and error. Another method is to experiment with different kinds of greens in an attempt to find one your dragon likes. Collard greens and cactus pad tend to be a huge hit. Constant exposure. Some owners leave greens in their dragon’s tank all day, replacing them every 24 hours or when they show signs of wilting. This is especially helpful for baby dragons who primarily eat insects and don't realize that greens are edible. Regardless of the cause, it’s stressful when your bearded dragon won’t eat greens. Our Reptile Greens & Calcium Powder contains crushed collard greens to give your dragon that much-needed boost. How to Serve Greens to Your Bearded DragonNow that you know what greens to feed your bearded dragons, here are some tips for serving them! Keep it natural. Organic produce is the best for your bearded dragon. It’s free of fertilizer, pesticides, and chemicals that could harm your bearded dragon. If you buy produce that isn’t organic, just remember to thoroughly wash it before serving it. Keep it small. Chop or slice the greens to make sure they are small enough for your bearded dragon to chew. For tougher veggies like collard greens, it can be very helpful to massage the leaves and remove the stems first. Stringy greens like kale can get lodged in the throat, so be sure to chop them extra small. Keep it raw. Dragons can and should eat their greens raw. In the wild, bearded dragons wouldn’t eat greens that are cooked, so feeding them raw greens helps keep things closer to their natural environment. Plus, cooking does remove some of the nutrients, and in some foods this makes the oxalates more prominent. Play it safe and dish up those greens fresh, clean, chopped, and raw. If you have questions or feedback, please email us at [email protected]. What veggies can bearded dragons eat daily?Daily Staple Greens for Bearded Dragons:. Cactus pad, or prickly pear (2.3 to 1). This desert delicacy is high in calcium and rich in antioxidants, fiber, and Vitamin C. ... . Collard greens (14.5 to 1). ... . Dandelion leaves (2.8 to 1). ... . Endive or escarole (1.9 to 1). ... . Mustard greens (2.4 to 1). ... . Turnip greens (4.5 to 1).. What veggies can Beardies not eat?Avoid vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and romaine as too much can be harmful, or they offer limited nutritional value. Bearded dragons will also eat fruits like apples, strawberries, watermelon, and peaches. Aside from delicious fruits and vegetables, dragons will eat just about any insect that moves.
What is a bearded dragon's favorite vegetable?There are numerous plants, fruits and vegetables that are safe and healthy for bearded dragons to eat, but some favorites include squash, collard greens, bell peppers, mustard greens and seedless watermelon. Of course, it's best to mix up your bearded dragon's diet every once in a while.
What should a bearded dragon eat daily?Insects - Feed gut-loaded insects (crickets or dubia roaches) 1x daily. Mealworms, superworms and waxworms should be offered in only small amounts. Young bearded dragons need a diet that's more insects than vegetables because they need the added protein to grow and develop.
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